Planned Parenthood Remains In Texas Women’s Health Program

GEORGETOWN (October 31, 2012)--Planned Parenthood will remain in the Texas Women's Health Program at least for now, state Health and Human Service Commissioner Kyle Janek said Wednesday.

Janek the state needs time to verify it has enough doctors signed up for a new program that will exclude doctors and clinics with ties to abortion providers.

Janek said the state will continue taking federal funds, which means it must keep funding Planned Parenthood clinics that do not provide abortions.

Gov. Rick Perry has said he doesn't want taxpayer funds going to Planned Parenthood, but federal officials have said that interferes with a woman's right to choose her own doctor.

Perry said he feels certain that his new women's health program, which relies solely on state funding, can meet the needs of poor women.

“Earlier this year, the Obama Administration, which is one of Planned Parenthood’s biggest supporters, said they would pull funding from the Women’s Health Program and in response, I promised the women of Texas that they would continue to have access to this important health care, whether funded by the federal government or the state,” Perry said in a statement Wednesday.

“HHSC has been working to line up providers across the state for the new Texas WHP, a program that not only meets the needs of Texas women, it also respects life and honors the will of Texas voters, ensuring no taxpayer money goes to abortion providers and their affiliates,” he said.

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